But, low success rates aside, we think it’s important to shine a spotlight on the dieters and exercisers who DO achieve their goals–especially those who do so by following healthy, common sense techniques for weight loss.

Take mom, Keely Dellit, for instance. In just 14 months, the Australian dropped a whopping 125 pounds. The most amazing part? She didn’t suffer through a dangerous and painful surgery or subscribe to an expensive diet plan; she simply took baby steps to shift to a common sense meal plan and a manageable exercise routine.

What makes her story so notable is that she didn’t make any drastic changes at first. Instead, she opted for a slow and steady method that helped her build confidence as she shed the pounds.

At first, I didn’t cut out the fast food and treats that I loved; I simply chose smaller portions (like a small fry instead of a medium size). Then, I gradually made slightly healthier substitutions (grilled chicken instead of crispy, for example).

Once I got used to that, I swapped out soda for juice and then traded that for sparkling water. I cooked brown rice instead of white, tried plant-based milks instead of dairy, ate at home instead of ordering takeout. Those tiny, gradual changes allowed me to slowly transform my lifestyle.

Nowadays, the mom flaunts a petite and healthy bod. She still watches what she eats, but that hardly means that she’s restricting herself in terms of calories or volume. Here’s what an average day looks like for Keely:

Breakfast: two scrambled eggs and a small bowl of oatmeal with berries

So, her diet plan might not consist of fads, but the fact that she was able to shed so much in such a little amount of time is a testament to how effective common sense self-care can be. You go, Keely! Your progress inspires us all to get–and stay!–healthy.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this impressive weight loss journey. Are you surprised that she was able to lose so much weight without the help of a name-brand diet? Have you achieved something similar? If so, what was your game plan?